Subiaco Hospital leads the way in breast cancer research

30 Oct 2025

L - R: St John of God Subiaco Hospital Research Operations Manager Dr Natalya Beer, Clinical Nurse Consultant and Researcher Gay Refeld, and Oncologists and Researchers Dr Tim Clay and Dr Daphne Tsoi.

Of the hospital’s 110 research and clinical trial projects, approximately 80 per cent are specific to cancer, highlighting its position as one of Australia’s most active cancer research institutes.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Research Operations Manager Dr Natalya Beer noted that the hospital’s focus on cancer research reflects a strong commitment to addressing this critical health issue in Western Australia (WA).

“Incredibly, of our active cancer trials, almost 35 per cent are specific to breast cancer, and most of our hospital’s oncologists are actively involved. This ensures many patients can access the latest treatments, often years before they become widely available”, she said.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in WA women, accounting for around 30 per cent of all cancer diagnosis, with around 1,900 new cases annually. Thanks to research, survivorship has increased over the years, but there’s still much more to do.”

Breast cancer research conducted at the hospital spans a wide range of subtypes and stages, from early-stage disease to complex metastatic cases. Dr Beer added that recent studies have progressed breast cancer treatment in meaningful ways, offering new hope and options for patients.

“For women with early-stage or advanced disease, several trials have shown that new treatments either reduce the risk of the cancer recurring, extend survival, or allow treatment options in challenging situations, such as brain metastases,” she said.

“Results from these trials have also directly contributed to the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) approving new therapies.”

Important breast cancer trials conducted at the hospital include:

MonarchE trial - Demonstrated that adding Abemaciclib to standard hormone therapy significantly reduces the risk of invasive recurrence for women with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer.

Destiny trials - For HER2-positive breast cancer, the trials series (Breast02, Breast03, Breast05, and Breast12) showed trastuzumab deruxtecan is more effective than previous therapies for metastatic disease, improving outcomes in challenging circumstances.

HER2CLIMB 05 trial - Investigating tucatinib (TUKYSA®) in combination with standard therapy for women with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Preliminary results indicate that as a first-line maintenance treatment after initial chemotherapy, TUKYSA significantly delays disease progression.

POSITIVE trial - Research also addresses quality-of-life considerations. The trial revealed that a short interruption of therapy to allow pregnancy was associated with low short-term recurrence rates and successful pregnancies. This groundbreaking result empowers women to make informed decisions about family planning after a breast cancer diagnosis.

NEXUS study - Conducted with OncoRes Medical, this study is testing a device that provides intraoperative assessment of the breast cavity and excised tissue. The goal is to improve surgical accuracy and potentially eliminate the need for a second procedure

CAMBRIA-1 trial - Investigating a new oral therapy Camizestrant to prevent recurrence of certain breast cancers after initial treatment. The hospital is the highest recruiting site in Australia for this international trial. If successful, it could establish a new standard of care, helping more patients stay cancer-free for longer.

In addition to research and clinical trials, Subiaco Hospital provides breast cancer patients access to the latest care and services, including Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT).

This advanced option for select women with early breast cancer, delivers radiation directly to the tumour site during surgery, reducing treatment time from three to seven weeks of daily radiation to a single, targeted treatment

St John of God Subiaco Hospital Oncologist and Researcher Dr Daphne Tsoi said Subiaco Hospital is the only private facility in Australia offering IORT to the community. 

“It has been particularly popular amongst women who live regionally, dramatically reducing the amount of time they need to spend in Perth for treatment,” she said.

“We’re very proud that by combining pioneering research and clinical trials, clinical excellence and a patient-centred approach to care, we can provide hope, choices and better outcomes for patients facing a breast cancer diagnosis.”